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Tue, 31 Mar 2015 17:58:57 -0400Zend_Feedhttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rsshttp://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/i-am-looking-for-a-reasonably-green-countertop-that-will-not-require-toxic-waxes-and-polishes-to-maintain
I am located in Chicago.
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I am located in Chicago.

Have a look at the Cosentino website. A beautiful product that looks like granite. I love to use the "leathered" effect as it gives a beautiful feel to the surface...]]>

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 15:26:51 -0500http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/i-am-looking-for-a-green-kitchen-counter-i-know-granite-has-radon-what-is-green-out-there
I need green kitchen counters not made out of granite which has radon. Preferably less expensive or same as granite. concrete?
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I need green kitchen counters not made out of granite which has radon. Preferably less expensive or same as granite. concrete?

First, not all granite contains radon. Green is relative depending on your definition. I have see plenty of cases where people will point to the mercury released in the manufacture...]]>

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 09:56:20 -0400http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/what-can-be-used-instead-of-mdf-under-a-newly-installed-corian-countertop-i-am-concerned-about-offgassing
I am sensitive to fumes, even those from O voc paints. Perhaps since the MDF will be underneath the fumes will be enclosed and contained?
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I am sensitive to fumes, even those from O voc paints. Perhaps since the MDF will be underneath the fumes will be enclosed and contained?

As for your question of the potential for the MDF to off-gas, it will be under the countertop and the fumes will be somewhat contained, but it could still off...]]>

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 12:48:10 -0400http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/what-kitchen-countertop-materials-do-not-contain-vocs-or-emit-radon
My husband and I are replacing laminate kitchen countertops in the home we purchased. We need a material that does not emit VOCs or radon or have other scary stuff in it. I have extreme chemical sensitivities and obviously don't want to suck down radon either. We are overwhelmed by the pros and cons of the available materials. Wood is awesome but I heard it off gasses formaldehyde! Glass is pretty but most contain fly ash which I heard is toxic. Granite and quartz have radon. Paper counters require sealing and have resin (not LEED certified). What materials are best? We are at a stand still trying to make this decision. Thank you for your help!
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My husband and I are replacing laminate kitchen countertops in the home we purchased. We need a material that does not emit VOCs or radon or have other scary stuff in it. I have extreme chemical sensitivities and obviously don't want to suck down radon either. We are overwhelmed by the pros and cons of the available materials. Wood is awesome but I heard it off gasses formaldehyde! Glass is pretty but most contain fly ash which I heard is toxic. Granite and quartz have radon. Paper counters require sealing and have resin (not LEED certified). What materials are best? We are at a stand still trying to make this decision. Thank you for your help!

Wood is one of the greatest building materials of all time and it does not off gas anything harmful.

Formaldehyde is only present in the extremely cheap glues used for particle...]]>

Given the "pillow" profile of ceramic tiles, I would not recommend trying to lay any type of material over...]]>

Mon, 24 Jun 2013 09:47:26 -0400http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/do-natural-stone-countertops-give-off-dangerous-toxins
I understand that granite emits toxins. Is this correct?
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I understand that granite emits toxins. Is this correct?

Dear Beth,

If I was to hazard a guess, I think you might be referring to radon. Radon is a natural element in our environment, though toxic at high levels.

Please read...]]>

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:32:23 -0500http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/i-m-planning-to-use-reclaimed-oak-for-a-kitchen-countertop-what-do-you-recommend-that-will-resist-water-heat-scratches-is-earth-friendly
want to use evniromentally friendly products and have a good outcome with not too much maintenance
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want to use evniromentally friendly products and have a good outcome with not too much maintenance

Dear Carol,

Reclaimed wood countertops have character and beauty, differentiating them from virgin wood countertops. I am going to assume that the reclaimed oak you are considering is milled in planks of 2½”-...]]>

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 20:02:50 -0500http://greenhomeguide.com/askapro/question/what-are-the-most-green-countertops-you-recommend
Having difficulty deciding since so much cancer in family. Is plastic in new 180Fx Formica laminate a potential health problem? Same for Corian? thank you
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Having difficulty deciding since so much cancer in family. Is plastic in new 180Fx Formica laminate a potential health problem? Same for Corian? thank you

There's a wonderful product called Greenstone, made from recycled glass.

A Las Vegas company, Realm of Design, just made an entire building out of it.